British raiders out of luck as Royal Julius flies home to win Bahrain International
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Tue 5 Dec 2023
Watch a full replay of the Bahrain International Trophy plus interviews with winning connections.
French challenger Royal Julius ran down the locally-trained Rustang to land the inaugural running of the Bahrain International Trophy at Sakhir.
The six-year-old, trained by Jerome Reynier, came with a wet sail in the final furlong under Stephane Pasquier to claim the valuable first prize.
It did not look likely for most of the 10-furlong contest as Rustang set up a 12-length lead at one stage.
But Allan Smith’s four-year-old, ridden by Lee Newman, was sending out distress signals early in the straight – allowing the pack to close in quickly.
They needed to, with the winning line looming, and it was Royal Julius who got up close home to get the verdict by three-quarters of a length from Turgenev.
John Gosden’s three-year-old, partnered by Rab Havlin, stayed on well to be the pick of the British raiders. Rustang was a head away third – with Afaak, from Charlie Hills’ Lambourn yard fourth.
“He likes a right-handed horse and he likes good ground,” Reynier told Racing TV.
“He needs pace in his races – and we knew with a front-runner, we would be able to wait at the back of the pack.
“When I took the 11 number for the draw I wasn’t worried, because I like him to come on the outside without having any problem with traffic.
“That was the plan, and Stephane rode a really brilliant race. He didn’t know the horse, -he hadn’t ridden him before. I’m very happy, because this was his target for the end of the year.
“We can start next year with a lot of ambition – either in Doha to take our revenge with French King in the Emir Trophy, or maybe in Saudi Arabia.”
Related posts
Five horses to follow on Saturday from our experts
Dave Nevison's Saturday tips: 22-1 chance fancied at Haydock
Martin Dixon's Saturday tips: "He has a flawless course record"
Under The Radar: Pat Murphy's three horses to follow
Sunday tips from Katie Midwinter: "She is the one to beat"
Featured offers
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved